CenterPoint Energy, an electric utility company in Houston, and NMB Water have been recognized with Frost & Sullivan’s Excellence in Resourcefulness Awards. The awards honor utilities that have demonstrated their commitment and ability to significantly reduce wasted energy and water based on a recent and successful technology implementation.
CenterPoint Energy was recognized in the energy category for its early adoption of smart grid technology and impressive results conserving energy and reducing costs in its operations. Since 2009, CenterPoint Energy has conserved more than 1.6 million gal of gasoline, avoided 14,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, and avoided vehicle trips through more than 16 million automated customer service orders. It has also saved more than $107 million in operations and maintenance through prevented loss from electricity theft and reduced meter reading, fleet and equipment costs.
NMB Water, which serves 170,000 residents in Northern Miami-Dade County in Florida, was recognized in the water category for focus on conservation through the use of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and leak detection technology. The utility recently completed the installation of its AMI solution with Itron. Its primary objective is to address growing concerns around leakage and to better manage delivery of water resources. With the leak sensing technology deployed in the field, the utility is able to reduce the time required to complete a leak detection survey.
As a part of the selection process, Frost & Sullivan conducted in-depth research and interviews, and evaluated utilities against industry best practices and the decision criteria, including societal impact and business impact, for each category. Indicators for societal impact included improving customer awareness and participation; enabling behavioral change to reduce waste through customer engagement and technology driven programs; and yielding impressive waste reduction results that benefit the overall served community. Indicators for business impact included drafting a clear vision to address excessive waste through technology implementation; achieving operational effectiveness as a result of successful strategy for sustainability; and strengthening a utility’s brand image as a leader for sustainability.
Source: Itron Inc.
